Lead Mechanical Engineer

The Opportunity

PAE is seeking a strategic and technically accomplished Lead Mechanical Engineer in our San Francisco, or Los Angeles office, to spearhead project teams and drive the technical excellence of our mechanical systems. In this pivotal role, you will transition from individual design work to high-level project oversight, providing the engineering direction and mentorship necessary to bring complex projects from initial concept through final construction. You will serve as a primary technical voice, ensuring that HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection designs are innovative, compliant, and seamlessly integrated with other engineering disciplines.

Who We Are

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

What You'll Do

• Oversee the preparation of deliverables and documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
• Able to effectively communicate design options to a diverse stakeholder group
• Provide engineering direction, mentorship and guidance for the project team
• Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
• Oversee mechanical load calculations
• Complete the project within the budget and schedule
• Knowledge of other disciplines and direct interdisciplinary coordination
• Provide updates to master specifications; provide input into standards
• Apply knowledge of building codes, industry standards and mechanical engineering design principals
• Perform engineering calculations and equipment selection
• Provide opinions of probable construction costs
• Perform site visits and issues reports
• Implement the project quality management plan (QMP)
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering for discipline work
• Relevant Professional Credential (i.e., PE) preferred
• Requires a minimum of 4-8 years Mechanical Design or 6-10 years' related work experience
• Advanced understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Energy Modeling
• Thorough understanding of project phases and their associated deliverables
• Develop the ability to assemble and run a team
• Strong delegation skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Revit/AutoCAD

What We Offer

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $104,200-$151,100annual
  • This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE's competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.


In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

• Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
• Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
• Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
• Cell phone stipend
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Hybrid work schedule
• Employee Assistance Program
• 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
• Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
• To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equity

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity - paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.


To find out more visit our website.

What We're Made Of

Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.


Fine Print

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.


In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.


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